Rotherham-based entrepreneurs set to ‘revolutionise’ plant science research

An innovative technology start-up has filed a patent application for the manufacturing of a new breed of plant growth chamber that will ‘revolutionise’ the ways in which plant science research currently takes place.

Founded by entrepreneurs Alexis Moschopoulos PhD and Richard Banks, Rotherham-based Grobotic Systems Ltd designed and manufactured the chamber which is engineered to streamline the process of growing plants under precise controlled environmental conditions for scientific experimentation.

The duo expect to launch the product to market by the end of 2018 after it has undergone rigorous testing in UK universities – facilitated by a £500 grant from UK Steel Enterprise’s (UKSE) Kickstart scheme, a subsidiary of Tata Steel dedicated to supporting the economic development of areas of the UK most affected by changes in the steel industry – and upon consolidation of the results of a global market research campaign.

Comprising a stainless-steel cabinet, LED lights and temperature and humidity control, the chamber will simulate specific environmental conditions allowing scientists to track and monitor plant growth and development to a degree that was previously limited by outdated technology.

Having met at university, both Alexis and Richard have left their careers in plant genetics and IT to launch the business and design the product which they say will be ‘the future of plant science and research’.

Managing director of Grobotic Systems, Alexis said: “Filing a patent is a big step forward, putting us one step closer to the launch of the product.

“Throughout my career in plant science research I’ve relied upon plant growth chambers and having remained largely unchanged since their first introduction in the 1960s, current models are hugely expensive, very unreliable and lack the precision needed for many types of experiments.

“After working in research laboratories in The University of Sheffield and The University of Leeds for the last five years, I decided to set up Grobotic Systems because I believe our innovative plant growth chambers will be instrumental in the progression of plant science and is a tool that will be of great benefit to the industry for years to come.”

Alexis and Richard plan to launch the product in the UK initially before opening it up to the global marketplace, with plans in place to recruit further staff in engineering, manufacturing and sales following the launch of the product.

Allan Wood of UKSE said: “Alexis and Richard clearly have a real passion for this industry and have devised a product that when put to market will provide universities and research institutions with the capacity to improve the accuracy and efficiency of experiments and resultant data collection.

“The business appears to have good growth opportunities ahead and we hope it can quickly establish its place in the market.”

UK Steel Enterprise also provides equity and loan finance up to £1M to growing companies. Established businesses in need of growth finance can contact the UK Steel Enterprise team on 0800 915 1188.